After months of escalating tensions, the political partnership that once embodied Senegal’s hopes for transformation has collapsed. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whose popularity had been a cornerstone of their joint success. Elected in March 2024 with 54% of the vote in the first round, Faye owed much of his victory to Sonko, the charismatic leader of the Pastef party. Sonko, who had been barred from running due to a defamation conviction, became a key figure behind the scenes, rallying support that propelled Faye to power.

Their alliance was built on a shared vision of reform, symbolized by the slogan «Diomaye moy Sonko, Sonko doy Diomaye»—“Diomaye is Sonko, Sonko is Diomaye.” The duo’s release from prison just days before the election had electrified the nation, offering a fresh start after years of political and social unrest. Yet the promise of a new era has now faded, replaced by bitter divisions.

The rift between the two leaders deepened over fundamental differences, particularly on economic policy. Faye and Sonko clashed over how to tackle Senegal’s soaring national debt, which now stands at 132% of GDP—the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. With no clear resolution in sight, their inability to align on key issues has stalled critical reforms promised to voters.

A looming power struggle for 2029

The dismissal of Sonko has intensified an already volatile political landscape. Faye now faces the challenge of governing without the support of the Pastef party, which Sonko still leads and which holds a commanding majority in the National Assembly (130 out of 165 seats). Despite being sidelined, Sonko remains a dominant force in Senegalese politics, having played a pivotal role in the 2024 election.